Many fans were questioning the nature and the severity of Ross Barkley's hamstring injury that impacted a potential transfer out of Everton.

There were a few suggestions the impact of the injury may have been exaggerated so Barkley could remain at Everton for the first half of the season, with the attacking midfielder hesitant about what he wanted to do with the next move of his career.

However, Barkley has shown the nasty scar that is located on his hamstring in a photograph of his rehabilitation. It is clear that Barkley suffered a very serious injury, as such massive and deep scars are not always associated with hamstring tears.

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Ross Barkley shows off his scar on Instagram. #EFC#COYBpic.twitter.com/zq9lq9pOJV
— Bluekipper.com (@bluekippercom) December 12, 2017

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It is a long road back for Barkley, who is now close to getting back to first team contention. Boss Sam Allardyce does not want to risk the attacking midfielder, for risk of complications. But he should be available for selection in the coming weeks, along with the likes of Seamus Coleman.

Everton are climbing the table, with the club now sitting in 10th place. However, it will be important for the Merseyside club to have a good Christmas period, so any talk of relegation can be thrown out the window.